GREEN BUILDING

GREEN BUILDING: The Future of Our World, One Castle at a Time

"Our goal is to reduce environmental impact through design and construction by utilizing durable products, energy and water efficiencies with indoor air quality systems."

GREEN BUILDING is the standard for Castle Homes. The residential sector accounts for 22% of total energy consumed nationwide, according to the US Department of Energy. That's why it matters that all Castle homes are constructed to minimize energy consumption and keep the world as green as possible.

We build responsibly with respect to the environment by:

• managing site recycling

• selecting sustainable building materials

• utilizing energy efficient HVAC and water systems

• adhering to a pre-construction plan to avoid overages or costly alterations

From lot preparation and building processes to interior planning and materials selection, we think 'green' at every turn. With this level of dedication and planning, every Castle contributes to the creation of more sustainable neighborhoods by minimizing environmental impact.

We also prioritize HEALTHIER, EVERYDAY LIVING for Castle homeowners. Castle homes are well-planned and designed to maximize every square foot of space. Our credentialed, experienced team, led by Founder/President Alan Looney, considers everything from air and water quality to appliance, window and finish selection. Superior systems and materials lead to better quality of living for families whose homes are their Castles.

We pursue third-party certification of Castle homes, to ensure we meet industry-wide standards and provide proof to homeowners that their Castles will offer energy efficiencies and reduced water consumption on a daily basis.

Another positive outcome of this third-party certified green building standard? Castle Homes hold excellent RESALE value. The energy efficiencies, advanced engineering and quality of materials motivate buyers because of their short and long-term benefits. From lower utilities bills and better indoor air quality to minimized pollution and overall environmental friendliness, it's the value of Castle Homes sustains and endures.

Short-Term Benefits of Green Building:

• Lower energy bills
• Reduced water consumption, lower water bills
• Lower home maintenance costs
• Healthier homes, better indoor air quality

Long-Term Benefits of Green Building:

• Sustained, overall reduction of home energy used
• Reduced energy dependence
• Lessened strain on water supply
• Minimized product and building material use
• Less pollution for the Earth through responsible energy use
• Natural resources preserved for future generations
• Greater family comfort, health and peace of mind

Lot Design, Preparation and Development

• Develop home site to minimize environmental intrusion during on-site construction
• Conserve existing on-site vegetation and preserve viable trees
• Manage storm water to minimize soil disturbance and erosion

Home Design And Resource Efficiency

• Design floor plan to ensure efficient living areas that maximize space. (Designing a 4,000 square foot home to perform like a 4,500 square foot home.)
• Use advance framing techniques including:
  • Engineered lumber, I-Joisted
  • Radiant barrier sheeting
  • Thermal house wrap
  • Covered porches, overhang, perimeter drains
  • Expert home design reduces material use. Also, use of salvage materials when appropriate - newel posts, flooring, light fixtures, beams, brick

Energy Efficiency - Energy Star Certified Home

• Third-party certification to determine whole home energy efficiency
• Castle uses a mechanical engineer to ensure HVAC is properly sized to the space for ultimate energy efficiency and proper air flow including:
• 13 to 14 seer heat pump systems
• Options - Geo-thermal, Duel-Fuel Systems
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Energy Star rated windows customized to local climate. Double-paned, insulated, low-E, Argon filled glass
• Blown cellulose in exterior walls and attic - R-44 in attic/R-15 in walls
• Options - soy based foam
• Air tight IC rated can lights
  
• Tech Shield roof decking providing a radiant barrier ensures cooler attic temperatures
• Thermal House Wrap providing a radiant barrier again for more regulated temperatures
• Energy Star Rated Appliances

Water Efficiency

• EPA WaterSense certified commodes
• Energy Star water conserving dishwashers
• Water efficienct shower heads and sink faucets
• Irrigation system zoned separately for turf and bedding areas with weather-based sensor